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Gender perspectives in Colombian public policy: Analysing impact and investment for equitable development

The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT, Performance, Innovation and Strategic Analysis for Impact (PISA4IMPACT), Colombia

Abstract

Colombia has recently experienced a surge in public investment initiatives addressing gender disparities. This study comprehensively analyses gender-centric public investment projects in Colombia, delineating prevailing trends and assessing their impact on gender parity. Notably, a substantial concentration of these initiatives is found within the 'Social Inclusion and Reconciliation' sector regarding quantity and financial allocation. Our analysis reveals geographical variations, with specific regions at the departmental level emerging as focal points of gender-inclusive investment. Leveraging this geographical diversity and the institutional integration of the gender marker in national-level investment projects, our study evaluates the effectiveness of intervention strategies across various societal well-being indicators. We investigate the impact on indices related to crimes against freedom and sexual integrity during conflict development, physical injuries, minors' engagement in collective activities, and financial support to producer associations in municipalities within high-volume gender-marked investment departments. Employing an econometric event study framework, we compare municipalities within and outside these departments from 2010 to 2021, before and after 2019. Our findings suggest no discernible differences in outcome variables between the two groups of municipalities before intervention implementation. However, post-intervention, treated municipalities exhibit a notable decrease in various forms of violence, particularly significant reductions in crimes against freedom and sexual integrity during conflict periods. Regarding credit allocation, while a slight increase is observed in credits to small producer associations post-intervention, this change lacks statistical significance. Conversely, a significant decrease in overall credit allocation post-intervention, particularly immediately following the intervention, is noted. In conclusion, while gender-centric public investment projects in Colombia show promising results in reducing certain forms of violence, such as crimes against freedom and sexual integrity during conflict periods, further research and policy adjustments are necessary to optimise the allocation of financial resources and ensure comprehensive gender equality outcomes across all targeted indicators.

Keywords: Event study , gender, impact assessment, public investment

Contact Address: Fanny Howland, The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT, Performance, Innovation and Strategic Analysis for Impact (PISA4IMPACT), Cali, Colombia, e-mail: f.c.howlandcgiar.org